MRS. BUSH: Thank you so much. (Applause.) Thanks, everybody.
I'm thrilled to be part of this historic convention, on the eve of the
nomination of John McCain for President of the United States.
(Applause.)

And I also want to recognize a former President and First Lady --
my father-in-law, President George Bush, and Barbara Bush, and my
sister-in-law, Dorothy. (Applause.)

The Republican Party has a very exciting ticket -- a real American
hero, John McCain, and a strong executive and proven reformer, Governor
Sarah Palin. (Applause.)

I'm proud that America's first female Vice President will be a
Republican woman. (Applause.) Women have always played an important
role in our party, from energizing grassroots to driving policy. Thank
you to the dedicated women in our audience for making the Republican
Party so strong. (Applause.) I am proud that impressive women have
served in my husband's administration -- women like Education Secretary
Margaret Spellings, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao -- (applause) -- and
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. (Applause.)

President Bush will address the convention in just a minute from
the White House. Before I introduce him, though, I want to talk to you
a little bit about the man I love. The first time I spoke at our
convention, George was governor of Texas. And I was in front of the
largest crowd I'd ever addressed. That night I told you about a man of
character, whose principles would not shift with the winds of politics
or polls. A lot has changed in the last eight years, but one thing has
stayed constant: George remains a man of strong values, with a enduring
love for the United States of America. (Applause.)

America is in the middle of a heated campaign. Recently, you've
heard a lot of politicians offer a lot of opinions. But you haven't
heard very many facts. So I thought I'd share a few with you tonight.
In honor of our nominee, let's call it a little "straight talk."
(Applause.)

On a issue that's close to my heart, President Bush initiated the
most important education reforms in a generation, holding schools
accountable and boosting funds for reading instruction. Today, student
achievement is rising across the board, and test scores for minority
students are at the highest they've ever been. (Applause.)

We all know how important it is for America to have judges who
respect the Constitution. Our whole nation can be proud of the two
newest members of the Supreme Court -- Justice Sam Alito and Chief
Justice John Roberts. (Applause.)

Many in this arena, and many across our nation, are people of faith
-- people who have answered the call to love your neighbor. The
President has empowered faith-based and community charities to partner
with government to help those in need. Engaging these groups is
successful policy. One way we know is this: Across the country, 35
governors from both parties have started faith-based and community
initiatives of their own. (Applause.)

And here's another inspiring statistic. When my husband took
office, fewer than 50,000 Africans suffering from AIDS were receiving
the medicine they needed to survive. Thanks to the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, that number is now nearly 2 million.
(Applause.) You might call that "change you can really believe in."
(Applause.)

George is using America's influence to lift up lives around the
world. Millions of children are protected from malaria by mosquito nets
the American people provide. In Afghanistan and Iraq, 50 million people
are now living in freedom. (Applause.) And let's not forget President
Bush has kept the American people safe. (Applause.)

We'll always be grateful to the men and women who volunteer to wear
the uniform of the United States. To the military families who know the
anxiety of waiting for a loved one to return: America honors your
service, and we give you our thanks. (Applause.)

In two months, the American people will choose a new President. No
one knows the job -- what the job requires better than the man who holds
this office. Ladies and gentlemen -- my husband, and the President of
the United States, George W. Bush. (Applause.)

(The President delivers video remarks.)

MRS. BUSH: Thank you all very much. For the past eight years,
I've seen the burdens of the presidency up close. John McCain has what
it takes to face the challenges that lie ahead. And he has the support
of America's next First Lady -- Cindy McCain. (Applause.)

This year alone, Cindy has discussed landmine removal with Kosovo's
President and Prime Minister. She's met with children undergoing
reconstructive surgery in Vietnam. She's listened to stories from
survivors of genocide in Rwanda. And she's comforted Georgian refugees
who fled their homes in South Ossetia. If Cindy can do all of this just
in the last eight months, imagine what she can do in the next four years
in the White House. (Applause.)

The American people can expect great things from John and Cindy
McCain. And President Bush and I can tell John and Cindy that they can
expect great things from the American people.

We leave the White House with deep gratitude for your support. Our
lives have been enriched by the generosity of citizens across our
country: the children who welcomed us to their schools with songs and
signs; the volunteers, church pastors, and city mayors who shared
stories of caring for those in need; the members of the military, and
their families, who answered our nation's call to serve; and those
who've approached us with the simple and humbling words: "We're praying
for you."

Thank you very much for your encouragement and your prayers. Thank
you for your support of the next President and First Lady of the United
States -- John and Cindy McCain. (Applause.)